Healthcare services and community supports are vital to us as we age. Comprehensive health care options and easy-to-access/easy-to-navigate community resource entry points are preferred. Affordable in-home support services (e.g., home health care) enable us to to live independently as we age. Sufficient, high-quality, accessible health care is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being across the lifespan. As we age, we are also at risk of having lower health literacy skills and may require support in areas such as navigating health care systems; reading and following prescriptions; and following medical orders or future care directions. To create a more just community, we must use this opportunity to come up with inventive solutions to support our community members’ health and well-being. (Frameworks Institute, 2017). Community and health care services characteristics of aging-friendly communities include:
- A single entry point or “one-stop-shopping” for community resources and health services for older adults
- Access to healthcare options that meet a variety of needs
- Affordable in-home support services (e.g. home health care) that enable older adults to live independently
- At least one primary care physician for every 1,000 residents
- Free preventative screenings for older adults
**In order to maximize your communication and productivity with your audience, please reference the best practices created by The Frameworks Institute on the Characteristics main page.
Data to inform the discussion around this characteristic.
**Please be sure to explain why these things are happening and to not just talk about demographic changes/data. The why sets us up for solutions.
- Availability and affordability of in-home support services (potential data source: Area Agency on Aging)
- The proportion of older adults who are uninsured or underinsured (potential data source: County Health Rankings)
- Prevalence of preventable hospital stays (potential data source: County Health Rankings)
- Primary care physicians and mental health providers per capita (potential data source: County Health Rankings)
**For other ideas, direct participants toward the Livable Community Indicators report (page 17) (March, 2013).
Activities to help contextualize this characteristic.
- Transportation simulation (see above in transportation): Imagine as you age, you are unable to drive. How would you get to the hospital for an appointment? How much time would it take? What would be the cost? Now imagine you have a health condition that requires twice weekly appointments. Is this transportation strategy feasible?
- Then brainstorm what would help you in this situation? What creative solutions would help you stay independent but supported?
- Health literacy exercise – reading and understanding dosage directions on a prescription drug label can be challenging at any age. Practice using one of these printable resources.
Success Stories from local communities.
- La Crosse, WI: End-of-life planning NPR podcast Oct., 2016
- La Crosse, WI: End-of-life planning NPR podcast Nov., 2009
Resources and other ideas for next steps.
- The Healthy Aging in Action report has numerous suggestions for supporting healthy aging in our communities.
- Aging Mastery Program – currently available in several counties in WI.
Back to All Characteristics |
Next Characteristic: Family Caregiving |
